The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture and Leadership Tulsa are publishing a booklet about the city's historic neon signs, including many on Route 66. The booklet, "Tulsa Vintage Neon Signs," will be distributed during a release party at one of the sites of a historic sign, El Rancho Grande restaurant on Route 66, at 5-6:45 p.m. … Continue reading Booklet on Tulsa’s neon signs to be published
Joplin marathon attracts runners from far and wide
The inaugural Mother Road Marathon that's set to run from Commerce, Okla., to Joplin, Mo., on Oct. 10 has already attracted 1,000 entrants from 34 states, according to the Joplin Globe. The event includes the full 26.2-mile marathon, a half-marathon, and a fun run. To attract that many runners with weeks to go before a … Continue reading Joplin marathon attracts runners from far and wide
Gallop to Gallup
Because The Huffington Post is primarily serves as a political site, I ordinarily don't surf there. But this decidedly nonpartisan post by travel writer Karen Tina Harrison serves as good overview of the Route 66 town of Gallup, N.M. It contains plenty of photos, and shout-outs to El Rancho Hotel and Richardson's trading post. Harrison … Continue reading Gallop to Gallup
Chili that’s older than the road
Central Illinois has long been praised as a haven for chili. And here's more proof with Taylor's Mexican Chili Parlor, 0n the old Illinois 4 alignment of Route 66 in Carlinville, Ill. Here's a fan of Taylor's: A little Internet surfing revealed that Taylor's Mexican Chili was established in 1904 in Carlinville. That's more than … Continue reading Chili that’s older than the road
Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year
This is pretty amazing. Bay's Tire Service, at 112 E. Osage St. in Pacific, Mo., recently marked its 75th year at the same location and the same family ownership, reported the Washington Missourian. According to the story: Lee and Hazel Miles Bay purchased a farmhouse at present-day 112 E. Osage St. on the new Route … Continue reading Tire store on Route 66 marks 75th year
The challenges of a minicar cruise
The New York Times published a good article today about the hurdles that drivers encountered in during the recently completed microcar cruise on Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago. A few of those vehicles, many of which boasted itty-bitty engines of just 500 cc, encountered problems along the way: “When we got to Kingman, … Continue reading The challenges of a minicar cruise
Springfield festival will honor Bob Waldmire
The International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show in Springfield, Ill., on Sept. 24-26 will pay tribute to deceased Route 66 artist and area native Bob Waldmire, according to a preview story in the Springfield State Journal-Register. Organizers announced Wednesday that proceeds from the event will go toward the Illinois Route 66 Hall … Continue reading Springfield festival will honor Bob Waldmire
Caravan of motorcycles older than the Mother Road
Dozens of long-distance motorcycle cruises are organized on the Mother Road each year. But this one is too unusual to ignore. In a few days, the Pre-1916 Motorcycle Cannonball endurance run begins in Kitty Hawk, N.C., and ends 17 days later at the shores of Santa Monica, Calif. The caravan will drive on a large … Continue reading Caravan of motorcycles older than the Mother Road
Lincoln Motel sign gets face-lift next weekend
Volunteers with the Oklahoma Route 66 Association will put a new coat of paint on the historic Lincoln Motel's neon sign in Chandler, Okla., on Sept. 11-12, and you're invited to join the effort. Repainting will begin from about 8 a.m. and end at dark each day, weather permitting, at the motel at 740 E. … Continue reading Lincoln Motel sign gets face-lift next weekend
A cell built for two
Mark and Sarah Owens of TravelShorts.com recently took a three-week trip on Route 66. Here's a clip of an odd but fascinating attraction that gets frequently overlooked -- the two-cell jailhouse that was built more than a century ago in Gardner, Ill.